Brassiness. It’s the ultimate frustration for anyone striving for the perfect blonde, brunette, or highlighted look. Whether your hair is natural or color-treated, those unwanted yellow, orange, or even red tones can sneak in and dull your shine. Fortunately, understanding why brassiness happens and how to neutralize it can give you the tools you need to keep your color cool, bright, and vibrant. Here’s your ultimate guide to combatting brassy hair with the help of salon solutions and at-home care—straight from this trusted lineup.
How To Fix Brassy Hair
Why Does Hair Turn Brassy?
Before tackling brassiness, it’s helpful to know why it happens. Brassy tones are often a result of your hair’s natural undertones becoming exposed as hair is lightened or as color fades. For blondes, yellow tones tend to appear. For brunettes, it’s usually orange or reddish hues. External factors like UV exposure, water minerals, heat styling, or simply the natural oxidation process can also accelerate brassiness.
So, how do you fix it? Enter: the color wheel! When looking at color theory we know that opposite tones neutralize each other. For example, purple cancels out yellow, and blue neutralizes orange. By choosing the right products with these color-neutralizing pigments, you can banish brass and bring back a more neutral tone.
Step One: Professional Salon Solutions
Redken Shades EQ Gloss: The Anti-Brass Hero
If you’re looking for the ultimate brass-fighting solution, Redken Shades EQ Gloss is your answer. This demi-permanent toner acts like a color corrector, neutralizing unwanted warm tones and enhancing your desired color. Whether it’s yellow or orange hues, Shades EQ works to restore balance, leaving your hair with a stunning, glossy finish that lasts up to six weeks.
V and VB Shades: The Anti-Brass Must-Haves
For clients with particularly stubborn brassiness, Shades EQ Gloss V (Violet) and VB (Violet Blue) shades are designed specifically to cancel our yellowing or brassiness. These cool-toned formulas specifically target warm undertones and help achieve a cooler, brighter hair color without damage. The best part? It’s an in-salon service that doubles as a conditioning treatment, meaning you leave with soft, shiny hair—and brass-free results.
Step Two: At-Home Maintenance
Brassiness doesn’t just appear overnight, which is why maintenance between salon visits is essential. Here’s how you can keep your color looking fresh and cool with the right at-home regimen:
1. Add a Purple Toning Shampoo to Your Routine
Toning shampoos are a must for anyone dealing with brass in between color appointments. These pigmented shampoos work like magic to neutralize unwanted tones while cleansing your hair.
- Blondes and Brunettes with Yellow Tones: Reach for a purple shampoo like Redken Color Extend Blondage. The violet pigments in this formula counteract yellow hues, leaving your blonde hair looking cool, bright, and salon-fresh.
Pro Tip: Use your toning shampoo 1-2 times per week. Overuse can lead to overly ashy or even violet tones, so find the balance that works for your hair.
2. Try an Anti-Brass Purple Hair Mask
Sometimes, your hair needs an extra boost of brass-neutralizing power—and that’s where a purple mask comes in. For blondes, the Redken Blondage Express Anti-Brass Mask is a game-changer. In just five minutes, this ultra-pigmented mask transforms brassy, dull hair into a cool, luminous blonde. Use it once a week to maintain your tone and keep your hair strong and shiny.
For even more options, Redken’s range of color-depositing masks allows you to refresh rose or honey tones at home.
